Astras or Derbys?

**RPTheLefty** · 04-03-2012, 08:27 PM

Hi everyone,

I know I'm asking a very subjective question but I wasn't able to tell the difference between Astras and Derbys. I ran out of samples, and it's time to buy my first 100 pack.

I shave every other day and my facial hair is in-between (not so thick not so thin either). Since I shave every other day, my facial hair isn't long and difficult to cut. I currently use a de89 and a slim adjustable.

Here's what happened when I went through the sample:
I first tried the Derbys and they were pretty smooth. I was able to get pretty good shaves without any nicks or irritation.
When I tried the Astras, I didn't get nicks either. They honestly felt very similar to the Derbys.
I tried Feathers and got the smoothest shave so far but I got some irritation on my neck.

My question is what are your results between the Derby and Astras?
Also, what does the "right blade for you face" achieve? Do you get smoother shaves, have to do less passes, less irritation?
Should I just get a not so sharp blade like Derby or Astra since I shave every other day?

**Calnell** · 04-03-2012, 11:17 PM

Astras are my go-to blade. I find Derbys to be a little dull for my taste. For me, the perfect blade (matched with the right razor) just glides over my face. So smooth that I have to check to see if any whiskers actually got shaved. It's easy for me to do 3+ passes with no irritation. I can shave with most blades but the right combo makes it effortless and comfortable

**IA_Cabby** · 04-03-2012, 11:23 PM

Allow me to disagree with Calnell. I have 100 of both. When I run out, I'll be buying another 100 pack of Derbys.

**Almightys** · 04-04-2012, 04:59 AM

The 100 packs of either are cheap ($8-10 per 100). Buy either one and you may find over time your technique improves to feel more comfortable with a "Feather-type" blade.

**mdevine** · 04-04-2012, 05:13 AM

I bought 100 of each a couple of years ago and have used about 25 of both so far. They are my two favorite inexpensive blades. If I had to pick just one, the Astra SP blades would get the nod by a hair.

Mike

**merkur59** · 04-04-2012, 05:33 AM

Used to like astra and disliked derby. Now I prefer derby over astra. Something changed over time. Probably technque?

**demaro** · 04-04-2012, 06:06 AM

I think they are both great blades . I enjoy using Derby and Astra.

**Island Dreamer** · 04-04-2012, 08:26 AM

I have and use both. They are pretty similar in actual use.

**Kostas1** · 04-04-2012, 09:45 AM

I like both, but Astras a little more.

**The Kiwi** · 04-04-2012, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by mdevine

I bought 100 of each a couple of years ago and have used about 25 of both so far. They are my two favorite inexpensive blades. If I had to pick just one, the Astra SP blades would get the nod by a hair.

I've never had any blades I didn't buy locally, and still don't, but I have some on their way. Astras, but when getting ready to order from Amazon, I really wasn't sure what an "SP" really is. The full name of the ones I've ordered is "Super Premium Platinum", I believe.

**attime6** · 04-04-2012, 12:19 PM

I use both however Astra SP's are better suited for my thick beard. This may not be the same for you.

**wurls** · 04-04-2012, 12:22 PM

I have used both, but give the nod to Astra's. Astra's because I find they slice through my coarser whiskers easier.
I like that Derby's have the used blade storage area on the bottom...something Astra could learn from.

**itsmedave** · 04-04-2012, 12:23 PM

I started out and didn't like Astras at all, but someone included them in with a razor and I like them enough now that I just bought 100 of em off Amazon for $9.50

**Adam M** · 04-04-2012, 12:46 PM

I have a 5-pack of Astra's I haven't tried but I started out using the Derbys. Then I bought some Shark SC's and I like them a bit more. I see you are nearby in the city, I'd be happy to give you 50 or so if you like, also could throw in a 5er of the Sharks if you haven't tried em. But you'd probably burn more in gas picking them up vs. buying 100 on Amazon hah

**big Paul** · 04-04-2012, 12:47 PM

Astra for me

**Yuritau** · 04-04-2012, 12:58 PM

For me, Derby's are the rusty machete of DE blades. I would recommend going for Astra.

**Vickers** · 04-04-2012, 01:02 PM

Early on I bought 100 of each. The Astras have been more agreeable with me.

**turtle** · 04-04-2012, 01:31 PM

Did you get a chance to try both in your new Slim?

At the price of both there is no need to decide which.... GET 100 of BOTH

http://www.amazon.com/Superior-Premi...3571396&sr=1-3

http://www.amazon.com/Derby-DE114-Do...571457&sr=1-99

**RPTheLefty** · 04-04-2012, 02:25 PM

Thanks for all your replies.

There are a lot of variables that I should limit. The only thing that is kept constant is the soap (VDH luxury) I use. Things that do change are the type of blades I use (derby and astra) and the razor (de89 and slim). Maybe I'd be able to tell the difference if I stuck to one set for one whole week but I'm too excited and I must try them all!

I think my technique is improving a bit. I used a feather in a slim set on 4. Not much irritation and my smoothest shave yet. I probably would stay with feathers if they weren't so darn expensive.

I noticed that when using Derbys, I got no irritation at all but the shave wasn't as close. With the Astras, I nicked myself a few times but the shave was closer (nicked myself probably because it was my first week). Maybe I have to revisit the Astras and keep them in there for a week using only one razor.

**Zarba** · 04-04-2012, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Calnell

Astras are my go-to blade. I find Derbys to be a little dull for my taste. For me, the perfect blade (matched with the right razor) just glides over my face. So smooth that I have to check to see if any whiskers actually got shaved. It's easy for me to do 3+ passes with no irritation. I can shave with most blades but the right combo makes it effortless and comfortable

What he said